Lots of reading, not so much writing

Posted on January 30, 2012 by karenlepage

It has been a BUSY busy Month.

First, there was the whole recover-from-vacation-week, then a distracting and terrifying breast cancer scare (I’m all fine so far, with a little titanium interior-mammogram-visible “jewelry” to mark the chunk they removed to check on next year).

Naturally, I had to make myself a dress for the Auto Show event (TWO days before the event, this year, not the night before as for past events).

My friend Janna (on the left) made my necklace (I bought it the second I saw it listed on etsy), she made her own necklace from antique Typewriter parts, and the necklace on the lady in this story from Engine Parts.

I assisted at a couple photo shoots for the magazine in Ferndale. Now, I say I “assisted,” but I was really there to fix buttons, provide moral support, pick out some dresses, and lend kids money for coffee shop treats. I didn’t actually do anything.

I learned to make an amazing body scrub at the small craft skillshare event, and I’ve been using it ever since. There’s another coming up in February at the TrumbullPlex in Detroit where they’ll be making Valentine’s Day cards – what could be sweeter? I’m going to try to make it over there.

I have been reading a lot about my newest obsessions, knitting and crochet. Annie is hosting a Crochet 101 series, so grab your hook and get going! The Handmade Companion has a super-fun crochet project (an inspiration for my distraction from learning to knit – in addition to Rae’s post here).

I did write some (though -obviously- not here), including an article for the upcoming Handmade Companion Winter/Valentine’s Day issue which will show you a simple way to Springify your house while it’s still Winter out there.

I hope you’ve been learning to sew with knit fabrics on Rae’s KNITerview series. (Click the link in the sidebar to catch up, if you haven’t). I wrote a little piece for the series which will be posted soon.

I have even dusted off my PowerPoint guru turban this month and made some super-fancy presentations to earn some money. I feel a little like I’m selling out, but a little like I’m really incredibly excellent at creating presentations for speaking events, so it’s a toss-up whether or not I’ll continue. I’d rather be crafting.

Mostly, I’ve been reading, and finding myself in awe of the amazing modifications crafters are making to the Raw-edged Raglan in Sewing for Boys for the Year Long Sew-Along. (yes, there are prizes, so go enter February’s Sew-Along!)

I’d like to promise that I’ll write more often here on the blog, but I have a big, big, project I’m working on a project – so much fun – I promise only that you’ll be happy to see it when I return! There are going to be some changes aroung the site here, and I hope you’ll stick around!

Tell me, what has your January looked like?

Alright, I am ready to admit it.

Posted on December 20, 2011 by karenlepage

I cannot get anything done unless I write it down first. On paper. With a pencil.

I know there are myriad electronic tools available, and I don’t have a problem checking things off my to-do list on my fabulous phone, but there’s something about pencil-to-paper that drives me to action.

What about you? Do you need to “write it down”?

Here’s a Sneak Peek of the Handmade Companion Holiday Issue

Posted on December 16, 2011 by karenlepage

You may remember that I mentioned a new gig I have been working on? The very first issue of the Handmade Companion is a sampler of what’s to come in future Full issues, and includes an adorable gift guide as well.

Check it out:

Open publication – Free publishing – More diy

Om. Rinse. Repeat.

Posted on December 13, 2011 by karenlepage

What an emotional day around here… Thank goodness my little one always can make me laugh.

Finally, after hours of stress, I sat down in the living room, looking out over the back yard and said (half aloud) “I need to sit.”

I sat with my cup of Koni Radiant Beauty white tea and took a deep breath. Out of nowhere, Ella said, “oh! SIT as in meditate!? I have just the thing. Stay there, don’t start.”

She ran to her room to retreive her Zune and plugged it into the amplifier for the main house speakers. Ella selected one of her favorite albums: Mike Cohen’s Om Dattatreya and proceeded to sit with her back to mine.

She sat still(ish) for an entire song, and it was enough to give both of us a fresh start for the day.